Project managed bathroom, en suite & downstairs loo installations

Comparing tanking methods for waterproofing a shower

This article compares 2 alternatives to tanking out a shower enclosure

Background

To read about what tanking is and why it may be needed (and for an overview of the 2 alternative methods being compared in this article) please see here and here.

As is mentioned in the articles linked to above, tanking essentially waterproofs the walls behind tiles in wet areas such as shower enclosures to ensure long lasting tile installations.

All in one kit

FOR

Convenient (ONE STOP SHOP) Everything needed is sold in 1 tub which can be bought online and delivered to you door.

Cheap – around £50 per kit which is enough for 1-2 whole shower enclosures (depending on the kit bought)

Can be easily applied to complex shapes if required

Permanently flexible

Easy to apply with an old paintbrush and pair of scissors

Produces a seamless membrane

AGAINST

Matting joint tape normally sold separately

Adhesive sold separately – must be a flexible powdered adhesive (not tubbed)

Less convenient (arguably) as you probably need to visit a local tile supplies retailer

No leftovers to do other showers as with the other kit

Care needs to be taken to ensure no buildup of adhesive under the matting leading to non flat walls

Difficult to apply to complicated shapes.

Non seamless membrane if numerous sheets are lapped together

Conclusion

It depends on you priorities.
With me, if I need to tank and tile a shower enclosure in a single day, I will use the waterproof matting system to allow me to get on with it and not wait for anything to dry.

I can use the same flexible, rapid set adhesive to apply the matting and then immediately apply the tiles on top of the matting.

Otherwise I will use the all in one tanking kit, and this always allows me excess primer, tape & waterproof paint to do further shower tanking installations making it more cost effective for me

Also, more complicated shapes can be done more easily – I did the installation above with matting and really wish I hadn’t: